Aston Martin Raises the Ante: 2011 DBS Carbon Edition
In the wake of the highly successful DBS Carbon Black, Aston Martin propels itself further into the limelight with the 2011 DBS Carbon Edition. A little familiar, a little unexpected, this latest offering emanates a level of luxury we've come to expect from the British automaker, yet does so with a boldness that's rather intriguing.
Chameleon-Like Exterior
Three color options are on offer - the well-known Carbon Black, and the newly introduced Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey. Aston Martin continues to pay homage to the meticulousness of their craftsmanship by applying a painstakingly unique paint process on each DBS Carbon Edition. Think seven layers of paint and a laborious 25-hour flat-and-polish finish, resulting in a veneer that wouldn't look out of place on a piece of high-end jewelry. This edition also presents the opportunity for customers to opt for a satin lacquer paint finish, a first for Aston Martin, bestowing the vehicle with a silky, luxurious texture.
Synonymous with Style
When it comes to its exterior attributes, the DBS Carbon Edition leaves no stone unturned. It proudly showcases 10-spoke gloss black diamond-turned wheels, with an option for a reversed diamond-turned or a full gloss black finish. Black brake calipers come standard, although customization enthusiasts can choose from yellow, orange, red, or grey. A warm black grille, carbon fibre mirror heads, carbon rear lamp in-fills, and smoked rear lights complete the vehicle's dramatic outward presentation.
Step into Luxury
Once inside the coupe, one is greeted by an ambience that encapsulates Aston Martin’s dedication to luxury. Swathed in obsidian black or maranello orange semi-aniline leather, the interior exhibits a natural aesthetic and plush tactile experience. Each DBS Carbon Edition's cabin undergoes more than 70 hours of hand-stitching and finishing, a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of perfection.
Distinctly Carbon
Further setting the Carbon Edition apart from a standard DBS is a carbon fibre facia whose weave mirrors the contours of the dashboard. It's a labor-intensive process, demanding a level of precision achievable only by hand. Complementing the cabin's carbon theme are magnesium alloy paddles tipped with carbon fibre for the Touchtronic II automatic gearbox, and a unique carbon fibre special edition sill plaque, featuring a laser etched metal inlay.
Revamped Tech Features
Aston Martin ensures the DBS Carbon Edition keeps pace with modern tech, featuring the newly updated Aston Martin Garmin satellite navigation system. This promises an intuitive user experience, thanks to its improved graphics. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with beam blade windscreen wipers designed to provide reduced wind noise and a cleaner wipe, even at high speeds.
A Matter of Price
Being a marquee offering, the DBS Carbon Edition comes with a marquee price. Expect to shell out a minimum of £186,582 (€257,912/$287,576) for the coupe and £196,581 (€272,913/$302,576) for the Volante. Customer deliveries are expected to commence from the first quarter of 2012.
The Final Polish
Aston Martin's 2011 DBS Carbon Edition is an exercise in opulence, a vivid demonstration of the automaker's attention to detail and commitment to crafting vehicles that ooze sophistication. Yet, the bold color options and the hint of rawness presented by the carbon fibre elements bring a certain unexpected charm to this offering. Aston Martin, it seems, continues to keep us intrigued.
-Ed
2011 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition
